Consciousness | Dada Gunamuktananda | TED

Absorb this:

The Trews: God

I'm quite fond of Russel Brand, I think he provides a voice on noticeable platform for people who want change, people who aren't happy with the current system.. I think he is an extremely passionate, (which can take over him at times) articulate and honest person trying to shine light on the truth, in aid of a fairer, honest society.

He does split opinion largely; his views on democracy and common people working together to create a better world must be seen as reckless to a controlling government, after all democracy means a government controlled by the people, which some people argue could lead to a mob rule. Either way, like him or don't like him, he does give some very interesting insights.

Inspired by nature

Woke up to a beautiful day, mother nature doing her thing.

Did some stretches (my new fad). Finn and I went for a walk up to Barracks Lane meadow hoping to see the mysterious Muntjac again.. no luck, but did see our wonderful friend's Christine and Gino the black Lab. The dogs played while Christine and I talked about nature and exchanged tales of divine intervention or happy coincidences.



Every day is beautiful in it's own way but for me, sunshine with a cool breeze is the one.. today is a fine ol day.

Now sat in the office looking out at this...



I do enjoy looking up there... makes me feel snug in this little tiny pocket of the universe but also absolutely infinitesimal.. a grain of sand.

Living in this state of flux, celestial as we are.. we are not sand, we're stardust. There is poetry in physics!



The Universe is all that is,
or ever was, or ever will be. 

Our contemplations of the cosmos stir us.
There's a tingling in the spine,
a catch in the voice, a faint sensation 

as if a distant memory

or falling from a great height.

We know we are approaching
the grandest of mysteries.

The cosmos is within us.
We are made of star stuff.

- Carl Sagan

Veda

"All that exists is One. People only call this One by different names." 

"God is love, and he that abideth in God, and god abideth in him."

"God is one whole; we are the parts."

Jainism

...exploring different beliefs cont.

Jainism is an Indian religion that prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings. Its philosophy and practice emphasize the necessity of self-effort to move the soul toward divine consciousness and liberation.



Jains believe that to attain enlightenment and ultimately liberation from all karmic bonding, one must practice the following ethical principles not only in thought, but also in words (speech) and action. Such a practice through lifelong work towards oneself is called as observing the Mahavrata ("Great Vows"). These vows are: Ahimsa (Non-violence)

To cause "no harm" to living beings (on the lines of "live" and "let live"). The vow involves "minimizing" intentional as well as unintentional harm to another living creature. There should even be no room for any thought conjuring injury to others, let alone talking about it or performing of such an act. Besides, it also includes respecting the views of others (non-absolutism and acceptance of multiple views). Satya (Truthfulness)

To always speak of truth such that no harm is caused to others. A person who speaks truth becomes trustworthy like a mother, venerable like a preceptor and dear to everyone like a kinsman. Given that non-violence has priority, all other principles yield to it whenever there is a conflict. For example, in a situation where speaking truth would lead to violence, it would be perfectly moral to remain silent (for you are neither being untrue, nor causing violence by way of truth) Asteya (Non-stealing)

Not to take into possession, anything that is not willingly offered. It is the strict adherence to one's own possessions without desiring for the ones that belong to others. One should remain satisfied by whatever is earned through honest labour. Any attempt to squeeze material wealth from others and/or exploit the weak is considered theft. Some of the guidelines for this principle follow as under:
Always give people fair value for their labor or product.
Not to take into possession materials that are not earned or offered by others.
Not to take materials into personal possession that have been dropped off or forgotten by others.
Not to purchase materials as a result of being cheaper in value, if the resultant price reduction is a result of improper method of preparation. For instance, products made out of raw materials obtained by way of pyramid schemes, illegal businesses, stolen goods, etc., should be strictly prohibited Brahmacharya (Celibacy)

To exercise control over senses (including mind) from indulgence. The basic intent of this vow is to conquer passion, thus preventing wastage of energy in the direction of pleasurable desires. During observance of this vow, the householder must not have a sensual relationship with anybody other than one's own spouse. Jain monks and nuns practice complete abstinence from any sexual activity. Aparigraha (Non-possession, Non-materialism)

To observe detachment from people, places and material things. Ownership of an object itself is not possessiveness; however, attachment to the owned object is possessiveness. For householders, non-possession is owning without attachment, because the notion of possession is illusory. The basic principle behind observance of this vow lies in the fact that life changes. What you own today may not be rightfully yours tomorrow. Hence the householder is encouraged to discharge his or her duties to related people and objects as a trustee, without excessive attachment or aversion. For monks and nuns, non-possession involves complete renunciation of property and human relations.

(wiki)

Hinduism

My special friend Kate reminded me that seeing as we are going to India we should probably do some research into the cultures and religions that we will be coming into contact with, so that we can appreciate the country and the people.

Kate: "I came across this teaching in Hunduism that I thought you would like it too: it is in honour of Ganesh (god of wisdom) you know the elephant man with lots of arms

'wise men, holding wisdom highest,scorn delights,
As false as fair,
Daily live they as Deaths fingers twined already in their hair.
Truly richer than all riches, better than the best of gain,
Wisdome is, unsought, secure-once won,
None loseth her again.
Bringing Dark things into daylight,
Solving doubts that vex the mind,
Like an open eye is wisdom - he hath her not is blind.'"

What I liked: "Hinduism grants absolute and complete freedom of belief and worship. Hinduism conceives the whole world as a single family that deifies the one truth, and therefore it accepts all forms of beliefs and dismisses labels of distinct religions which would imply a division of identity. Hence, Hinduism is devoid of the concepts of apostasy, heresy and blasphemy. Prominent themes in Hindu beliefs include (but are not restricted to), Dharma (ethics/duties), Samsāra (the continuing cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth), Karma (action and subsequent reaction), Moksha (liberation from samsara), and the various Yogas (paths or practices)" sounds like goodness to me.

Here's my girl...



Maybe less of that in India!

Diligence

Diligence: one of the Seven Heavenly Virtues

A zealous and careful nature in one's actions and work; decisive work ethic, the capability of not giving up. Budgeting one's time; monitoring one's own activities to guard against laziness. Upholding one's convictions at all times, especially when no one else is watching (integrity).


The vice of Sloth: one of the Seven Deadly Sins



It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways.

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.

UTOPIA